Men steal the show at Limerick’s first female tractor run

LIMERICK’s first all female tractor run on Sunday stopped traffic in Murroe for two reasons.

The first was up to 40 slowly moving vehicles on the road. The second was that a number of them were driven by men wearing wigs, hats and dresses!

The event was organised by publican, Jodie Power, to raise money for Limerick Marine Search and Rescue.

“The lads who dressed up as women were brilliant. They added even more fun to the event.

“They put a lot of effort and thought into their outfits. People were in stitches laughing at the lads driving a tractor in their get-up,” said Jodie.

The ladies weren’t outdone either as they decorated their tractors, and one even had a runaway bride theme.

The motorcade of tractors left Power’s Pub in Abington at 2pm. Limerick Marine Search and Rescue led the tractor run and Marty Mannering brought some of his famous high nelly bikes to cycle alongside.

After a spin in the countryside they returned through the village and back to Power’s Pub where a marquee was erected.

Murroe and Cappamore Comhaltas entertained the crowds along with a DJ. Old style games like ring toss and skittles were played, and barbecue prepared.

Every euro was for the volunteer rescuers who receive no funding.

From the day alone a whopping €7,000 has been raised with more to be collected from sponsorship cards.

“We were hoping to collect around €3,000 so this was brilliant. Everyone was so generous,” said Jodie.

She wished to thank Annacotty Farm Shop who donated burgers and sausages for the fundraising barbecue; PJ Holmes Gala shop who told Jodie take what she needed; all the drivers, sponsors, businesses who supported the event; farmers who gave a lend of their tractors; Murroe gardai; stewards and those who gave spot prizes for the raffle.

Limerick Marine Search and Rescue were chosen because they recovered the body of popular and highly respected local man, Herbert Gow, whose car had entered the river at Brittas bridge last year.

A close friend of Mr Gow, Cllr John Egan, congratulated Jodie on running the ladies tractor run.

“It was a sight to see the line of tractors stretching from the monument in Murroe and the money raised is a fitting tribute to a great man and a great cause,” said Cllr Egan.